National fairs are a very important moment for sellers: they are indeed an opportunity for direct networking and allow you to meet potential customers, suppliers, and business partners in person. In short, a fertile ground for building strong relationships that could provide essential benefits for your business!
In addition, we remind you that fairs are also useful for studying the competition, examining their strategies, products, and innovations. They are also a showcase for presenting new products and a preferred place to gather immediate feedback.
Among the other advantages that the most important national fairs can offer, we also mention the possibility of gaining greater visibility by leveraging the media present, as well as the opportunity to close deals directly at the fair.
But what are the main national fairs for sellers? Let’s discover them together.
Main National Fairs for Sellers
In this brief guide, let’s explore 10 major fairs in Italy. Each of them is a reference point in their respective sectors.
We list them alphabetically, with an indication of the macro sector and the main characteristics of each.
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Artigiano in Fiera
- Sector: Crafts
- Location: Milan
Artigiano in Fiera is an exhibition that, since 1996, has aimed to promote artisans and their creative products. It is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year eager to discover the best creations from national and international artisans.
Since 2013, the fair has been accompanied by an e-commerce platform, Artimondo, to promote the best artisanal products online. In 2019, the Mi View Restaurant was opened, located on the 20th floor of the World Join Center in Milan.
BIT – International Tourism Exchange
- Sector: Tourism
- Location: Milan
The International Tourism Exchange (BIT) is an international event promoted by FieraMilano since 1980, aimed at gathering tourism operators, tourism promotion companies, travel agents, and industry professionals, with the purpose of launching a qualified observation on the tourism offer of individual regions around the world.
The fair has a slightly different structure than other sector fairs. Historically, two out of three days are open exclusively to industry professionals, while one is dedicated to the public.
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Cersaie
- Sector: Ceramics
- Location: Bologna
Cersaie (International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings) is the most important fair in the world for the ceramics and bathroom furnishings sector, organized annually since 1983 at the Bologna Exhibition Center. It is the national reference point for the ceramics and surface industry.
The event attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, with around 900 exhibitors from over 40 countries. The exhibition covers an area of 160,000 square meters, showcasing the latest innovations in ceramic tiles, bathroom furnishings, and interior finishes.
During the fair, many side events take place, from architecture conferences with international speakers to technical workshops, providing many opportunities to improve knowledge in this sector, facilitating meetings between producers and professionals from the building and interior design industries.
Cosmoprof
- Sector: Cosmetics
- Location: Bologna
Cosmoprof is the most important fair dedicated to the cosmetics and professional beauty sector in Italy, organized since 1967 at the Bologna Exhibition Center. It is the global reference event for the cosmetics industry, engaging thousands of sellers each year in various specialized areas, from packaging and production to perfumery and cosmetics, including products and services for hairdressers and beauticians.
The fair hosts numerous side events, which often represent a crucial moment for the cosmetics business, facilitating meetings between producers, distributors, and international buyers.
EICMA
- Sector: Motorcycles
- Location: Milan
EICMA (International Exhibition of Cycles, Motorcycles, and Accessories) is the most important Italian fair dedicated to the world of two-wheeled vehicles. Founded in 1914, it is held annually at the Rho-Fiera Milan Exhibition Center and is an essential reference point for the global two-wheeler industry.
The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world, with more than 1,800 exhibitors from about 40 countries. It is divided into several thematic areas and typically offers numerous side activities, including:
- New model presentations
- Technical conferences
- Meetings with famous riders
- Stunt shows
- Competitions.
Host
- Sector: Hospitality and Catering
- Location: Milan
Host is the reference fair in the hospitality and catering sector, held biennially at the Rho-Fiera Milan Exhibition Center. Founded in 1966, it is now a key event for the entire Ho.Re.Ca. (Hotel-Restaurant-Café) industry.
Host is divided into several macro-themes and is one of the most important opportunities to showcase the latest technological innovations, new consumption trends, and advanced solutions for the sector.
During the fair, numerous events take place, with particular attention to professional training and sustainable innovation. The event is essential for the industry’s business, serving as a meeting platform for producers, distributors, buyers, and hospitality professionals.
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LineaPelle
- Sector: Leather and Fabrics
- Location: Milan
Since 1981, LineaPelle has been one of the most important international fairs for leather, accessories, components, fabrics, synthetics, and models.
Around the event, there is an ecosystem made up of over 50,000 companies, 1 million workers, and a $150 billion annual turnover. Approximately 1,200 operators from over 40 countries are involved, making it an unmissable event for sellers in this merchandise sector.
Marmomac
- Sector: Natural Stones
- Location: Verona
Marmomac is the most important Italian and global fair dedicated to the marble production chain, from extraction to finished products.
Founded in one of Italy’s main districts for natural stone extraction and processing, it is the largest international hub for industry players. A platform that sellers interested in exploring the best opportunities in the sector should not miss.
Salone del Mobile
- Sector: Design and Furniture
- Location: Milan
The Salone del Mobile is the global reference event for national fairs in the furniture and design sector.
Founded in 1961, it is held annually at the Rho-Fiera Milan Exhibition Center and is one of the highlights of the international trade fair scene, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Around 2,000 exhibitors present the latest innovations in the field of furniture.
In an exhibition area of over 200,000 square meters, architects, designers, and companies present the latest trends and innovations in the following areas:
- Interior design
- Lighting
- Home accessories
- Furniture
- Accessories
- Other home solutions.
Alongside the Salone, the Fuorisalone takes place, a series of events spread across various neighborhoods in Milan, transforming the city into a design stage. Not only a commercial event, but a cultural initiative celebrating Italian design worldwide.
Vinitaly
- Sector: Wine and Spirits
- Location: Verona
Vinitaly is the most famous international fair for wine and spirits in Italy. Organized annually at the Verona Exhibition Center, it was founded in 1967. It has long been a showcase of excellence for the Italian wine sector.
The event attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, with 4,000 exhibitors and a display area of about 100,000 square meters. Numerous side events take place during the fair, including:
- Tastings
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Masterclasses
- Meetings promoting global enological excellence.
These features make Vinitaly a fundamental event for those working in the wine sector or wishing to learn about trends and innovations.
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